Grants for Single Moms: What You Actually Qualify For

When I was a single mom looking for grants, I Googled "grants for single mothers" and got the same recycled list on every website. "Apply for a Pell Grant. Check with your state. Good luck."

That is not help. That is a homework assignment with no instructions.

So let me give you what I wish someone had given me: the actual grants, the actual amounts, and the actual steps to apply for each one.

The Reality of Being a Single Mom in College

First, let me be honest about what you are up against. About 1.5 million single mothers are in college right now. Only 28% of them will finish their degree within 6 years, compared to 57% of students without kids.

That is not because single moms are less capable. It is because the system was not built for them.

Grants You Should Apply For

Here is the list I wish I had. These are not "maybe you will qualify" suggestions. These are real grants that specifically include or prioritize single mothers.

Most of these start with filing your FAFSA. As a single parent, your income alone determines eligibility (you do not include your parents' income). This usually works in your favor. If the FAFSA feels overwhelming, I have a step by step FAFSA walkthrough in plain language.

The Childcare Problem Nobody Solves

Let me talk about the elephant in the room. Childcare costs an average of $10,853 per year per child. For infants, it is closer to $14,760. And only 5% of colleges still offer on-campus childcare, down from 53% in the 1990s.

Here is what actually helped me:

• CCAMPIS grants are federal grants given directly to colleges to subsidize childcare for student parents. Ask your financial aid office if your school has one.
• Head Start and Early Head Start are free for low-income families. Apply at eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov.
• State childcare assistance programs exist in every state. Search "[your state] childcare assistance" to find your local program.
• Online and evening classes let you study when your kids are sleeping. This is how I got through my first year.

You Are Not Behind. The System Failed You.

If you are a single mom thinking about going back to school, I want you to know something. The fact that only 28% of single mom students finish is not a reflection of your ability. It is a reflection of a system that charges you $14,000 a year for childcare while offering you $7,395 in grants. The math does not add up, and that is not your fault.

But the money is out there. You just have to know where to look. And now you do.

Start with the grant finder to see what you qualify for. Or check your benefits to make sure you are not missing any government programs that could help with childcare, food, or housing while you are in school. And if you want the honest truth about why the system makes this so hard, read why single moms are set up to fail at going back to school.

You are already doing the hardest job there is. School is just adding one more thing to the list. And you are really, really good at lists.

State Grant Programs Worth Knowing About

Federal grants are just the start. Every state has its own programs, and some of them are incredibly generous. Here are a few examples.

These are just a handful. If you are in Texas, I wrote a detailed guide to Texas grants that covers everything available. For other states, use our grant finder to see what is available where you live.

The Childcare Problem Nobody Wants to Talk About

Let me be honest about the biggest barrier single moms face. It is not tuition. It is childcare.

The average cost of childcare in the U.S. is $10,853 per year (IWPR, 2022). And only 5% of colleges in the country offer on campus childcare. That is a massive gap.

Here is what I tell every single mom who asks. Before you enroll, call the school's financial aid office and ask specifically about childcare assistance. Many schools have emergency funds, childcare subsidies, or partnerships with local providers that are not advertised on their website.

Also look into your state's childcare assistance program (CCAP). If you are a student and meet income guidelines, you may qualify for subsidized childcare that covers most or all of the cost. This is separate from your school financial aid and can be combined with grants.

The completion rate for single mothers in college is 28%, compared to 57% for all students (IWPR, 2022). The number one reason is not academics. It is the juggling act of kids, work, and school without enough support. So build your support system before you start, not after you are drowning.

Your Single Mom Action Plan

1. File your FAFSA this week. Even if you are not sure about school yet. Filing does not commit you to anything, but it tells you exactly what you qualify for. The maximum Pell Grant is $7,395 per year.
2. Search for single mom specific scholarships. Organizations like the Jeannette Rankin Women's Education Fund, Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation, and Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards specifically fund single mothers returning to school.
3. Call three schools and ask about parent support. Ask about childcare, flexible scheduling, online options, and emergency funds. The school that offers the best support system is the right school for you, even if it is not the most prestigious.
4. Line up childcare before your first class. Apply for state childcare assistance. Ask family. Look into cooperative childcare arrangements with other student parents. This is not optional. It is the foundation everything else rests on.
5. Start part time. There is no rule that says you have to go full time. Two or three classes per semester is perfectly fine. You can still receive Pell Grants at half time enrollment.
6. Connect with other student parents. Many schools have parent student organizations or online groups. These women understand your life in a way that others do not. Lean on them.

Common Questions for Single Moms About Grants

Q: Will my child support count as income on the FAFSA?
No. As of the FAFSA Simplification Act, child support received is no longer reported as income on the FAFSA. This is a big change that may increase your eligibility for need based aid.

Q: Can I get grants if I am working full time?
Yes. There is no work requirement or limitation for Pell Grants or most state grants. You qualify based on financial need, not employment status. Many working single moms receive full grant awards.

Q: What about housing assistance while I am in school?
Some schools offer family housing at reduced rates. You may also qualify for Section 8 or other housing assistance programs as a student. Check with your school's student services office and your local housing authority.

Q: My kids are really young. Should I wait until they are in school?
This is a personal decision, but I will say this. Every year you wait is a year of higher earnings you miss out on. A bachelor's degree earns $67,860 per year on average compared to $38,840 for a high school diploma (BLS, 2023). Online programs let you study during nap time and after bedtime. You do not have to wait for the perfect moment.

Take the benefits check right now to see what you qualify for. It takes less than two minutes.

Rooting for you,
Elera

Sources: Institute for Women's Policy Research (IWPR), "Parents in College By the Numbers," 2022; IWPR, 2021; Child Care Aware of America, 2022; Federal Student Aid, 2023; NCES, 2023.